Abstract

To the editor: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been associated with a broad clinical spectrum of diseases (1). We report the onset of transient gynecomastia in two HIV-infected patients.

Patient 1, a 36-year-old intravenous drug user and homosexual man, developed enlargement of his right mammary gland. Physical examination 1 year later showed bilateral, painless gynecomastia. Serum antibodies to HIV were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and Western blot. The numbers of T-cells were within normal limits (T3, 1700/mm3; T4, l000/mm3; and T8, 500/mm3) and the T4/T8 ratio was 2. Gynecomastia spontaneously resolved 6 months later.